Freezers in Garage?

[roadrnnr]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

[retiredguy123]

There shouldn't be any problem having a freezer in the garage due to temperature. The only issue you may have is finding or installing an appropriate electrical outlet.

[RedChariot]

Have lived here 12 years. When we came we went to Sears on memorial Day sale. Bought a Sears brand refrigerator/ freeze for the garage. Garage has no special installation. It has performed well all this time. Knock on wood.

[Dusty_Star]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

I have freezer in my garage. I think it was labeled 'garage ready' - no idea what that means. It has been working wonderfully. No problem with electrical outlets.

[retiredguy123]

I have freezer in my garage. I think it was labeled 'garage ready' - no idea what that means. It has been working wonderfully. No problem with electrical outlets.
The outlets in the garage are GFCI protected, which means that they may tend to trip more often. Some people use an alarm or light bulb notification device to alert them when the freezer has lost power.

[Bill14564]

Have lived here 12 years. When we came we went to Sears on memorial Day sale. Bought a Sears brand refrigerator/ freeze for the garage. Garage has no special installation. It has performed well all this time. Knock on wood.

LG brand here and only four years but same idea: bought nothing special, plugged it in, no problems so far.

I do worry about the GFCI tripping but I had multiple refrigerators on GFCI breakers in a MD garage for 20 years with no issue. (different weather, different builder, different garage, but still some reason to believe)

[Pinball wizard]

The only thing I did was upgrade the GFI outlet from 15A to 20A. The new one also has a little alarm in case it trips.
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-GFTA2-W-SmartlockPro-Self-Test-Audible/dp/B01CD4XUIE/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3DV8MVPDUV5TR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pDm8QMxwSUEWpr7BwWUdzBxaMckqQ1fX2 Uuy2bNNVmcRxkUjvye0DaRjEblXQD3E-cA_GJjh9Hrm2Z_wJa3sEEnR1B7iGv682z1S2RzIxcjRj7Vzx9c uee2Y_um9AG9Jtp1_KN7djSdzbFq_oqLP0XDBvOyGnvrQ8Biru 2MV1RoFfoWcRgRnQXtS5q1EugvIEeIoA0EE8PUtQ2_4gthwKlv pJg4xsnT5J4o7DVvMWDXwG-__XJpQs_4HrwbWW4NfokQADDHIUwmkwPMyQ9TV1sGlqV7KwWFL eVd_pG2dqDc.M99vwEN52XrN5W3yMEMm8c0DErEXHFbw6PutLo KjPlM&dib_tag=se&keywords=20A%2Bgfci%2Bwith%2Balarm&qid=1713709709&sprefix=20a%2Bgfci%2Bwith%2Balarm%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-5&th=1)

[ton80]

The outlets in the garage are GFCI protected, which means that they may tend to trip more often. Some people use an alarm or light bulb notification device to alert them when the freezer has lost power.
Standard Garage Circuits are GFCI and extend beyond garage even outside. This makes them vulnerable to trips not related to your freezer. Driving rain can cause trips of exterior outlets and if connected to your freezer outlet you may know about it and may not be home.

8 years ago when customization was still allowed, I specified a dedicated "home run" circuit for the Builder's electrical contractor to install where I planned to locate the freezer. Since it is dedicated and isolated, it did not require GFCI protection under 2016 Code.
Using general GFCI garage circuits for freezers is a bit of a risk since the extended circuit can cause a trip.

[retiredguy123]

Standard Garage Circuits are GFCI and extend beyond garage even outside. This makes them vulnerable to trips not related to your freezer. Driving rain can cause trips of exterior outlets and if connected to your freezer outlet you may know about it and may not be home.

8 years ago when customization was still allowed, I specified a dedicated "home run" circuit for the Builder's electrical contractor to install where I planned to locate the freezer. Since it is dedicated and isolated, it did not require GFCI protection under 2016 Code.
Using general GFCI garage circuits for freezers is a bit of a risk since the extended circuit can cause a trip.
The 2016 code allowed it, but the current code does not.

[frayedends]

I have freezer in my garage. I think it was labeled 'garage ready' - no idea what that means. It has been working wonderfully. No problem with electrical outlets.

A "garage ready" freezer typically has enhanced insulation and a compressor designed to handle these fluctuations without affecting its performance or longevity. It ensures that the freezer can maintain the desired temperature range for freezing food, even when ambient temperatures in the garage are outside the normal operating range of standard freezers. This feature is particularly beneficial for people who need extra freezer space but don't have room inside their home.

[retiredguy123]

A "garage ready" freezer typically has enhanced insulation and a compressor designed to handle these fluctuations without affecting its performance or longevity. It ensures that the freezer can maintain the desired temperature range for freezing food, even when ambient temperatures in the garage are outside the normal operating range of standard freezers. This feature is particularly beneficial for people who need extra freezer space but don't have room inside their home.
If the garage ready freezer costs significantly more money, I would just use a regular freezer. Not worth the extra expense. That also applies to televisions that claim to be designed for outdoor use. Regular TVs work just fine.

[Decadeofdave]

I've had one in garage for 2 years. Previous owner had installed dedicated plug for charging a golf cart. Works great.

[Two Bills]

Here in UK we have a small freezer, and a fridge freezer, both quite old now, in our garage, and last year the temperature rose to nearly 65F, and they both survived!:icon_wink::icon_wink:

[bowlingal]

I have a full size freezer in the garage, no problems. I do open the garage door and back door to get a cross breeze to cool the garage down in the summer

[roadrnnr]

Thanks all
Great Info

[Randall55]

I have a full size freezer in the garage, no problems. I do open the garage door and back door to get a cross breeze to cool the garage down in the summerDepending on the model, it is possible to place one in the laundry room. I removed the utility sink and replaced with a pantry/linen closet with freezer beside. Looks great!

[biker1]

My house (new construction) came with a dedicated 20 amp circuit with a non-GFCI outlet in the garage. I had a refrigerator plugged into it until we bought an electric golf cart. I then had another dedicated 20 amp circuit run just for the refrigerator by an electrician. By current code, this circuit needed a GFCI outlet but the refrigerator tripped it every time the compressor came on. The electrician tried another brand of GFCI outlet but it still tripped. He asked me if I knew where Lowe's was ;-). I replaced the outlet with a 20 amp simplex non-GFCI and all is good. Putting a refrigerator on a GFCI outlet may be problematic depending on the brand.

I've had one in garage for 2 years. Previous owner had installed dedicated plug for charging a golf cart. Works great.

[Joecool]

I have mine on the back lanai and love it very close to the kitchen I think it is cooler than the garage

[Sskip]

I moved one here and had no problems with putting it in the garage. Had it for 5 years before I sold my house. No issues ever.

[nn0wheremann]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?
Eight years in service and it works well.

[cherylncliff]

There shouldn't be any problem having a freezer in the garage due to temperature. The only issue you may have is finding or installing an appropriate electrical outlet.

We had one in the garage for 10 years with no problem. You do need to watch for frost buildup.

[mkjelenbaas]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?
Yes it is feasible. Thanks for asking.

[JRcorvette]

Our freezer has been in the garage for many years. It has a nice feature that is a bright green light that shows you there is power! That is very important since we do not go into that freezer all that often.

[Cuervo]

I bought a freezer during the pandemic, like so many others and what I found when I was purchasing it, all the brands I look into recommended not to place it in the garage.
I have an enclosed lanai, there is where my unit sits.
I sometimes forget it's even there.

[Biskopski]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?
Just purchased a new Frigidaire Garage Ready Freezer from Lowes. Fair price, quick delivery. Garage ready means the appliance is built to withstand the hot summer conditions inside your garage. Be smart and buy the appropriate appliance. Most likely the small print in the warranty will help you decide on garage ready vs regular appliance.

[Nana2Teddy]

We have a small freezer in our garage, and thanks to our mini-split the heat is never a problem. ;)

[birdawg]

Two people need a freezer?

[MandoMan]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

Four yers ago I bought a house here that came with a refrigerator/freezer in the garage. I think it was the original that came with the house and was 22 years old. It was replaced a year or two before I bought the house and moved to the garage. It still worked fine, but it was ugly. The ice machine wasn’t hooked up. When I moved 18 months ago, I took it with me. I gave it away a couple months ago to a couple who will use it in an animal shelter. I’d estimate that it cost me about $10 a month in electricity.

[Ken & Patsy Tapp]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

We’ve had an upright freezer in our garage for 12 years. It’s been great and maintains a temperature of -3 degrees. It’s a Frigidaire galaxy.

[Randall55]

Two people need a freezer?Yes! My wife will cook 2 lasagna at the same time and freeze one for a later date. We do the same with soups, stews, chili, etc. When we have busy schedules, it is great to have meals prepared. Beats eating sandwiches or other processed foods.

[RRGuyNJ]

Two people need a freezer?

My wife and I have an extra freezer AND an extra full size refrigerator in the garage. The refrigerator wouldn't break my heart if it died but the freezer has to stay. Great when you find big sales on meats. Actually looking for a larger one because the current one is old as the hills. LOL
They both work fine in the garage in NC by the way. No garage ready equipment. Plain old indoor equipment.

[Blueblaze]

Oh, give me a break! Special "garage freezers"? "Code violations?" Don't be ridiculous! How hot do you think it gets here in the summer? It's not the surface of the sun. It's not even TEXAS.

I have the full-size fridge/freezer from my old Texas house, plus a big upright freezer right next to it in my garage. They both work just fine -- exactly the same as they did in Houston, where the outside temperature in the summer often goes over 100 for weeks at a time. And I didn't have to pay an electrician to install a "code violating" extra recep to do it. I don't know what the local code says, but in most localities, garage circuits are usually limited to two receps, anyway, for this exact reason. Both of my freezers are plugged into the same recep and work just fine.

The question is not whether Florida is too hot for a garage freezer. The question is whether your Villages garage has enough room to put it there.

[Battlebasset]

Bought a garage ready fridge/freezer from Best Buy in 2021. So far, so good. I did:

1. Put some velcro on the handles/side of the fridge to make sure the door closes tight and stays closed.

2. Direct a small blade computer fan that is on a timer and pointed at the compressor. It kicks on about 10:30 in the morning and runs until midnight. Don't know if it helps, but trying to disperse heat from an appliance that is pressed pretty close to the wall.

Having the fridge in the garage makes life a bit easier, and ensures cold beer when I'm out there "working".

[jjombrello]

We've had a Whirlpool refrigerator with a top freezer in our garage for 25 years with no problems

[JMintzer]

Just find an old 80's refrigerator and you're good to go...

https://i.redd.it/2oxt1c3hcmu81.jpg

[Shipping up to Boston]

Have lived here 12 years. When we came we went to Sears on memorial Day sale. Bought a Sears brand refrigerator/ freeze for the garage. Garage has no special installation. It has performed well all this time. Knock on wood.

Kenmore was built to last....all their appliances

[Shipping up to Boston]

Yes! My wife will cook 2 lasagna at the same time and freeze one for a later date. We do the same with soups, stews, chili, etc. When we have busy schedules, it is great to have meals prepared. Beats eating sandwiches or other processed foods.

Address?! ;)

[Professor]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

I have both a refrigerator and a freezer in the garage and it has been no problem with either of them.

[Indydealmaker]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

Our extra fridge and the upright freezer work fine. My wife likes to be able to take advantage of the BOGO meat sales at Fresh Market.

[Topspinmo]

Depends on how big garage and how big freezer? It you’ve got dinky 1 11/2 garage with washer dryer, water heater, furnace, half kitchen sticking in garage you’re going to to be space challenged anyway. I don’t think heat or plug in will be problem. IMO problem were going to stick it. Now if got large two car garage no problems.

[Road-Runner]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

Beautiful 71-72 Roadrunner. Is the car here in the Villages? My Torred 70 Roadrunner needs restoring, but first I have to get it running again hopefully later this year. Love the Basin Blue, I had a 73 that color back in college.

Later, Jim

[HogPilot]

Moving here soon and was wondering is it feasable to have a Freezer in the Garage or is it just to hot for it to be effective?

I have a 5 foot top loading freezer in my garage. $185 approx from Walmart incl tax. My instruction manual has a warning that says and I quote:
“It is strongly recommended that the unit not be used with a power outlet that is equipped with the GFCI protection”

If my lamp post light does not come on in the evening, I know the GFCI breaker in the garage has been tripped. The garage outlets are 20 amp.
I’ve only had this Walmart unit for about two months now, and the breaker has not tripped yet. It draws such a low amp load that I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for the small freezer. Two lights on the front telling me when the unit is on and a light when the compressor is running. BTW, I have a mini split A/C unit in the garage (connected to a dedicated power source).

[Zenmama18]

There shouldn't be any problem having a freezer in the garage due to temperature. The only issue you may have is finding or installing an appropriate electrical outlet.

We've had one for 3+ years with no problem. We did have to have a dedicated circuit installed by an electrician though. The original breaker tripped and we lost all the food we had in there including some fresh-frozen blueberries we had picked (sigh).

[ton80]

I have a 5 foot freezer in my garage. My instruction manual has a warning that says and I quote:
“It is strongly recommended that the unit not be used with a power outlet that is equipped with the GFCI protection”

If my lamp post light does not come on in the evening, I know the GFCI breaker in the garage has been tripped. The garage outlets are 20 amp.
I’ve only had this Walmart unit for about two months now, and the breaker has not tripped yet. It draws such a low amp load that I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for the small freezer.

GFCI trip is typically from a ground fault Not High Amp load. I agree with the freezer recommendation to avoid GFIC circuits for freezer/refrigerators. Just think what would have happened if you were away for a few days and someone such as a landscaper plugged something in and the circuit tripped. Your freezer and contents would be destroyed.

If there are outside receptacles, the GFIC trip can be caused by using long extension cords in wet conditions outside to power hedge clippers etc. I had a licensed electrician install an additional power outlet to a GFIC circuit in my lanai. He caused a trip by having his tools contact the wire contacts with the power on and outlet cover removed. It tripped and I had to move an 8ft. entertainment center after removing all contents to get at the reset switch. Needless to say I had the electrician change out the lanai GFIC outlet to a regular outlet and change the breaker in the electrical distribution to a GFIC breaker. So if the circuit trips, I can reset it from the panel in the garage and the circuit still has GFIC protection..